Organising dinner 'not a sacrifice'

Oamaru's community spirit was once again on display in Orwell St on Christmas Day.

About 120 people shared good cheer and took part in the annual Community Christmas Dinner at the Orwell St Church.

For the fifth year in a row Amanda Acheson and her family took the lead role as organisers as a dozen volunteers pitched in to make sure lunch was served - and everyone felt included at Christmas.

''It's not a sacrifice, we enjoy it,'' Mrs Acheson said.

''We're part of the community. It's about belonging.''

The lunch that drew a cross-section of people from Oamaru and surrounds was free and ''for anyone, for any reason''.

Mrs Acheson said she enjoyed seeing others spending time with people at Christmas.

And she was happy to see some of the same faces returning year after year.

The turkey and ham, new potatoes and salad came from the church and community donations.

After Danny Fountaine said grace, volunteers filled plates for any dinner-goers with mobility issues first.

hamish.maclean@odt.co.nz